Argentine President Milei reacts to Messi’s international football retirement

Argentine President Javier Milei has thanked Lionel Messi following the football star’s announcement that he was retiring from the national team and called him «unreal,» according to media reports.

Milei responded shortly after the 39-year-old captain officially announced the end of his international career on Aug. 31, 2026.

«Thank you very much, unreal man!» Milei wrote on Instagram. 

Why Messi retired

The forward said that he had given everything to the national team. The final decision to make way for the younger generation came after the recent 0-1 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August.

Argentine Football Association’s position

The national team’s representatives also expressed their eternal gratitude to the forward, noting that his legacy transcends any trophy and that Messi himself has become part of the national identity.

During his 21-year national team career, Messi played 207 matches, scored 125 goals and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, two Copa América titles and the 2026 World Cup final. 

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina’s national team on Instagram on Aug. 31, a month and a half after losing to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.